PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 16, 2010
Contact: Press Department
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA ORGANIZES FORUM WITH U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
Conducts Armenian-American Outreach for 2010 Census
Los Angeles, CA – U.S. Census Bureau Partnership Specialist Anahit
Tovmasyan was on hand at a recent professional forum organized by the
Armenian Assembly in downtown Los Angeles, reported the Armenian
Assembly of America (Assembly). Attended by Assembly intern alumni and
the growing network of young professionals from the greater Los
Angeles community, the event boasted a diverse representation of the
Armenian community. Assembly Western Region Director Yeghig Keshishian
delivered the opening remarks, alluding to the Assembly’s partnership
with the 2010 U.S. Census and ongoing efforts to have Armenian
ancestry denoted in the upcoming census for better political
representation.
Tovmasyan discussed the importance placed on having Americans of
Armenian descent check the "Other" race box and write in "Armenian."
By increasing the overall numbers of Armenians reported in the 2010
Census, Tovmasyan outlined how the Armenian community would be more
competitive in securing federal dollars for community projects. For
the first time in the Census’ history, the federal government has
allocated funding for an Armenian Partnership Specialist to oversee
the community-wide effort in greater Los Angeles – specifically, in
communities with a sizeable Armenian population.
It is estimated that only one-third of Armenians residing in the U.S.
denoted their ancestry in the 2000 Census. "An accurate Census count
of Armenian-Americans will ensure that Armenians will have a stronger
voice and better political representation to address the needs of our
community," stated Tovmasyan. "Especially in these hard economic
times, we need to make sure that the communities we work, live, pray
and play in have access to their share of resources. Through the
collaborative efforts of faith and community based organizations,
schools, and businesses, we can make sure all Armenians are counted."
"On behalf of the Assembly, I would like to express our appreciation
to Anahit and the Census Bureau for their determination in seeing that
every person is counted in the 2010 Census," stated Keshishian. "The
central purpose in organizing these networking mixers and professional
forums is to provide our community a voice and an opportunity to
assume a direct role in Armenian affairs whether it is on the local or
national level. Considering the positive feedback I have received, we
can take comfort in knowing that members within the Armenian community
stand ready to assist in any way they can."
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
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NR# 2010-013
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
